In a demonstration of youth-led environmental action, ASEZ, the university student volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God, spearheaded back-to-back ecological campaigns in Metro Manila and Batangas this August 2026 to combat the climate crisis and promote sustainability.
The international volunteer group turned its attention to urban sanitation on August 16, launching its 9,559th Worldwide Cleanup Campaign along Anonas Extension in Barangays 628 and 630 in Santa Mesa, Manila. The 1.5-kilometer stretch experiences heavy daily foot traffic, with the main campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and densely populated residential and commercial areas nearby.
Together with ASEZ members from Korea, around 70 young volunteers gathered early to collect scattered litter, helping transform the busy thoroughfare into a cleaner, more pleasant environment. They collected 354 kilograms (kg) of trash in 56 recycled sacks, including 164 kg of plastic waste.
Barangays 628 and 630 supported the initiative by sending representatives to help sweep the streets. The City Government of Manila also dispatched a garbage truck from the Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS) to haul the collected waste. Local officers, including Irene Villamor of DEPS-Manila and Barangay 630 chairwoman Cristina Lara, visited the site to commend the volunteers.
Organizers said the cleanup was intended not only to restore the physical environment but also to raise ecological awareness among local students and residents. “ASEZ’s cleanup campaign is expected to offer an opportunity not only to make the environment clean but also to raise awareness among university students and other citizens about the importance of environmental protection,” the organizers shared.
The group then expanded its environmental efforts beyond the capital, shifting from urban cleanup to upland reforestation. In Lipa City, Batangas, 45 volunteers gathered at the foot of Mount Malarayat to plant 100 Narra saplings.
Mount Malarayat is a protected forest reserve and critical watershed that supplies fresh water to neighboring agricultural lands and communities while helping buffer the region against urban heat and air pollution.
Supplied by the DENR-CENRO Lipa, the native saplings were planted near the access road to Barangay Malitlit. Known for helping protect soil and rehabilitate degraded land, the Narra trees are expected to contribute to the forest’s green corridor toward surrounding residential communities.
An ASEZ representative highlighted the importance of the consecutive environmental initiatives, stating, “The Philippines is composed of many islands and has one of the longest coastlines in the world. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that the country is on the front lines of the climate crisis. Our university students, future leaders, have volunteered to plant trees to promote environmental sustainability in the Philippines and to address climate change.”
The representative added, “Our ASEZ members from Korea, university students from Manila, and environmentally conscious citizens have come together, reaffirming the importance of global cooperation and solidarity.”
Daryl James Baudin, a forest technician at DENR-CENRO Lipa, expressed his appreciation for the youth group’s proactive stance, saying, “Thank you so much, ASEZ, for this kind of activity. I hope na tuloy-tuloy ‘yung pagsuporta ninyo sa mga ganitong initiative para makatulong sa ating environment. Patuloy ang pagsuporta namin from the national government—kami from DENR—para suportahan kayo sa mga ganitong aktibidad. Maraming salamat. Go, ASEZ!”
Dr. Allan Willard Estillore, the officer-in-charge of DENR-CENRO Lipa, thanked the volunteers saying, “Thank you for your support to the environmental efforts of our agency. We are planning to establish a stronger and better partnership and networking with ASEZ.”
After participating in both the tree-planting and cleanup campaigns, Lyka Fababeir, a third-year BTLED-ICT student at PUP Santa Mesa, remarked, “I am very grateful to see young adults, especially university students, helping to clean our community and protect the environment together.”
Jackie Beltran, a third-year Information Technology student from EARIST Manila, added, “As proactive university students, participating in these activities allows us to set a good example for local communities.”
Through its efforts in Manila and Batangas, ASEZ continues to promote youth-led environmental stewardship, bringing together university students, local communities, government agencies, and international volunteers in response to environmental challenges.
ASEZ’s environmental initiatives have reached various locations across the country, including the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park, Baseco Beach, and Talon River in Metro Manila, as well as Bataan, Tarlac, Cagayan de Oro, and Leyte. The group has also carried out tree-planting initiatives and its “Zero Plastic 2040” campaign to reduce plastic pollution.
Beyond environmental activities, ASEZ has visited special education schools and children’s homes, organizing cultural events, and donating school supplies and food to encourage children to pursue their dreams. It has also held crime prevention seminars to raise civic awareness and help build safe, vibrant communities.
In recognition of its efforts, ASEZ has received Certificates of Recognition and Certificates of Appreciation from the Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the mayors of Parañaque, San Pablo, Digos, and Las Piñas.
ASEZ is an international volunteer organization composed of university students from the Church of God around the world. The name “ASEZ” stands for “Save the Earth from A to Z,” which means “Let us save the earth from the beginning to the end.” It implies that university students can change the entire world.
ASEZ aims to create a happy world by inspiring positive change in people. Its activities include crime prevention, climate change response, community service, and disaster relief. In collaboration with universities, governments, institutions, and international organizations worldwide, the group seeks to create substantial change. In recognition of its contributions, ASEZ has received approximately 600 awards, including the UNCCD Executive Secretary’s Award, the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award, and the Certificate of Commendation from the President of the Congress of Peru, as well as the Green World Award and the Green Apple Award.
The World Mission Society Church of God, which ASEZ belongs to, is a global church established in over 7,800 locations across 175 countries. With 4 million members, the church believes in God the Father and God the Mother according to the Bible and follows the truth of the new covenant of the early church.
Following the teaching of Christ— “Love your neighbor as yourself,” the church has carried out approximately 50,000 social contribution activities in six key areas: climate change response, poverty and hunger alleviation, educational support, health and well-being, sustainable cities, as well as peace, inclusion and solidarity.
In recognition of its contribution to global harmony and development, the church has received more than 6,200 awards from governments and institutions around the world.
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